Amateur-built SPRINT MXII N460JS accident near Groesbeck, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the noncertificated airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s physical and psychological impairment.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed his private airstrip to the south for a local flight. GPS data indicated that the pilot flew the airplane to an area about 15 miles southwest of the departure airstrip and then made several low-altitude circling maneuvers in this area before heading back toward the airstrip. The pilot then flew several circling maneuvers east of the airstrip followed by a low pass to the south. The airplane then climbed and again maneuvered east of the airstrip before continuing to the south end of the airstrip; however, it made a 180-degree turn and subsequently departed to the north and then returned to land. A witness reported that the pilot appeared to abort the landing and that the airplane pitched up and then banked left and descended into the trees. The airplane came to rest in the trees about 15 feet above the ground. The witness reported that the engine continued to run after the impact. Flight control continuity was established during the postaccident examination of the airplane, which did not have an airworthiness certificate. Postaccident weight and balance calculations indicate that the airplane's center of gravity (CG) was aft of the maximum aft CG limit. However, given that the pilot was able to take off without any problems, the airplane was likely controllable even though the CG was aft of its maximum limit. Toxicological results and medical records indicate the pilot was likely experiencing some level of impairment due to diagnosed, chronic, medical and psychiatric conditions and the effects of the medications he was taking for these conditions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA046 for the full record.